By Jessica Thakur January 5, 2024
The year 2023 has witnessed significant shifts in Canada's Express Entry application management system, heralding a new era for prospective immigrants to the country.
Resuming after an 18-month hiatus, Express Entry draws in 2023 mirrored established patterns from the previous year, conducting draws at regular intervals, including all-program, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only, and a single Federal Skilled Workers-only draw.
Notably, March 2023 saw Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extend over 21,000 invitations to Express Entry candidates across four draws, marking the second-highest monthly invitation count ever.
Introduction of Category-Based Selection Rounds
May 2023 witnessed the introduction of six new categories for Express Entry draws, aligning with a legislative change in June 2022, enabling the immigration minister to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) based on specific attributes rather than solely relying on a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
These new categories target candidates with attributes that align with IRCC's objectives to promote French outside Quebec and bolster Canada's labor force. Categories focus on sectors such as Healthcare, STEM professions, Trades, Transport, Agriculture, and strong French proficiency.
Draw Types and CRS Scores Throughout 2023, there were 42 draws, including all-program, PNP-only, and category-based selection rounds. Most candidates who received ITAs had CRS scores between 451-500 and 501-600.
The CRS scores varied among draw types. The lowest CRS for an all-program draw was 481, while PNP-only draws had higher CRS requirements. Notably, the lowest CRS score for a category-based draw was 354 for agriculture and agri-food occupations, while the highest was 486 for STEM and French proficiency candidates.
Draw Frequency and IRCC’s Plans for 2024
Following the introduction of category-based selection draws, IRCC's draw frequency became less predictable. Ministerial instructions indicated a trend towards concentrated draws over a shorter period each month.
Looking ahead to 2024, IRCC aims to admit 110,000 new permanent residents through Express Entry, as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026. However, IRCC’s categories for category-based selection might evolve based on stakeholder feedback and annual evaluations of candidate integration into the Canadian economy.
The prospect of revised categories remains contingent upon IRCC’s assessment of Express Entry candidates’ contributions to Canada's economy. The department’s yearly report and feedback from stakeholders will play a pivotal role in shaping future Express Entry categories.
In conclusion, while Express Entry draws in 2023 showcased adaptability and change, the upcoming year might witness further adjustments to ensure the selection of candidates best suited to support Canada's economic objectives.
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